Dorsalspines
(total): 0;
Dorsalsoft rays
(total): 7-9;
Analspines: 0;
Analsoft rays: 8 - 10. Anatomy of the pharyngeal apparatus is the main distinguishing characteristic; throat teeth typically form a single row of 4-5 large molariform teeth on each of the two arches, with formula typically 1,4 - 4,1.

Biology
Glossary
(e.g. epibenthic)

Adults inhabit large lowland rivers and lakes, preferably with clear water and high oxygen concentrations. Larvae feed on zooplankton, then on ostracods and aquatic insects. At about 120 mm SL, juveniles start to prey on small snails and clams while larger juveniles and adults feed almost entirely on molluscs. Undertake upriver migration and spawns in open waters. Deposit pelagic or semipelagic eggs which hatch while drifting downstream. Larvae settle into floodplain lakes and channels with little or no current (Ref. 59043). Maximum age probably exceeds 15 years; the figure of 20 years is not supported by data (Ref. 55930).

Prewspawning adults migrate upstream in spring - early summer; spawning takes place in turbulent waters; eggs are pelagic and drift downstream and larvae enter nursery areas such as flood plains or backwater habitats; main river channel is used as feeding and wintering area by subadults and adults.